part0196

Ezekiel 2:1-10 records Ezekiel’s call into the ministry, and five important truths can be seen from studying that passage. The first is that God directs his earthly work through individuals. In Ezekiel 2:1, He told Ezekiel to stand up and listen, and in Ezekiel 2:2, He spoke directly to him. No one can say whether or not Ezekiel heard an audible voice, but he at least heard the Lord’s voice speaking to his heart. The second truth is that Ezekiel was sent to tell wicked people the truth about their spiritual condition. The Lord knows that no one prospers when the truth is hidden. So, He sent Ezekiel to tell them the truth, and today, He still sends messengers to share His truth with others.

The third truth, seen in Ezekiel 2:3, is that God loved Israel even while they were rebelling against Him. He could have destroyed them and chosen another people for Himself as soon as they first stumbled into sin. But instead of doing that, He tried to send His prophets to instruct them about their ways, and He was always willing to receive back those that genuinely repented. For people living today, the Lord still shows His love towards all by having sent His Son to die on the cross. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

The fourth truth, which is seen in Ezekiel 2:6, is that Ezekiel was to not be afraid to represent God among rebellious people, and that is true of those that minister today. The Lord is able to protect His servants and to bring His plans to pass no matter how great the obstacles may seem. Finally, in Ezekiel 2:8-10, the fifth truth is that Ezekiel was told to expect some trials along the way and that he was to accept them as unto the Lord. The days of his ministry would be characterized by lament, mourning, and woe, and those that follow the Lord and minister for Him today should also expect some difficulties. But God is always faithful, and He always watches over His own.